Man Utd
Amorim Blocks January Exits as Mainoo and Zirkzee Face Bench, Maguire Reflects
Amorim says Mainoo and Zirkzee will stay in January; Mainoo linked with Napoli, Zirkzee with Roma….
Ruben Amorim has moved to dismiss suggestions that Kobbie Mainoo and Joshua Zirkzee will be permitted to leave Manchester United in January, while admitting the squad could still change in the summer.
“I understand that [players want to leave] but they are our players and we need everyone to have a good season,” Amorim declared, insisting the club will not be rushed into midseason sales. He added: “I also know that in our club everything is a lot of noise. Players are not playing. They want to play, and there’s a World Cup. There are agents that listen to the players, talking all the time.”
The decisions affecting both players are rooted in limited first-team opportunities. Mainoo started for England in the final of Euro 2024 but has won just a single cap since and has not started a Premier League game since May. That lack of minutes is thought to underlie reports of Mainoo’s preference for a winter move to Napoli.
Zirkzee has also been linked with a January move to Italy. Roma and Como have been credited with interest in the former Bologna forward, although there are whispers that West Ham United could provide Premier League options for him instead.
For now, sources expect both Mainoo and Zirkzee to remain on the bench at Old Trafford for the remainder of the season, with Amorim signalling a desire to manage minutes and cover across the squad rather than sanction departures during the winter window.
Meanwhile Harry Maguire, fresh from nodding in a cathartic matchwinner against Liverpool, expressed uncertainty about his long-term future at the club. “I’ve been here seven years now, so it’s been tough not getting that win,” the England international noted. “It’s been on my mind a little bit, to be honest.
“I’m in my last year now, so this could be the last time I played at Anfield for this club, so it’s really important that I’ve come here and ticked that one off.”
Brighton & Hove Albion
United Hold On to Beat Brighton 4-2 as Mbeumo’s Brace Seals Third Straight Win
Mbeumo brace and late drama sealed United’s 4-2 win over Brighton, with Cunha and Casemiro on target.
Manchester United claimed a third consecutive Premier League victory after a turbulent 4-2 success over Brighton & Hove Albion. The match swung several times, but Bryan Mbeumo’s second goal in stoppage time ensured all three points for the Red Devils.
Matheus Cunha opened the scoring before the interval after being picked out by Casemiro, a composed finish that eased early nerves. United then profited from Brighton’s loose possession: Casemiro’s long-range attempt took a heavy deflection off Yasin Ayari to find the net and stretch the lead. Benjamin Šeško squandered a clear chance just before half-time, rifling over from close range.
The visitors started the second half under pressure and United finally made the game safe after the hour. Šeško fizzed a pass into Mbeumo, who cut inside and finished low into the near post for his first of the afternoon. Brighton responded through Danny Welbeck, whose free kick beat Senne Lammens with 15 minutes remaining and shifted the momentum. A stoppage-time header from Charalampos Kostoulas then reduced the deficit, but Mbeumo’s 97th-minute close-range finish completed his brace and confirmed the result.
Player ratings reflected several strong performances. Bryan Mbeumo led the way with a 9.3 for his two goals and constant threat in the final third. Casemiro earned an 8.6 after a goal and an assist and strong midfield protection. Matheus Cunha was rated 8.4 for his opener and influence in attack. Bruno Fernandes received an 8.1 for his role as a deep-lying playmaker. Luke Shaw and Diogo Dalot each scored 7.4 for industrious displays, while Benjamin Šeško was given 7.6. Goalkeeper Senne Lammens was marked 6.4 after a typically commanding outing that nonetheless included two late goals conceded.
Substitutes who featured included Ayden Heaven (7.2), Kobbie Mainoo (6.6) and Patrick Dorgu (6.3); Joshua Zirkzee and Manuel Ugarte were introduced late and listed N/A. Unused substitutes included Altay Bayındır, Noussair Mazraoui, Tyrell Malacia and Mason Mount.
Match statistics showed United with 43% possession to Brighton’s 57%, expected goals of 1.13 to 1.07, and a shots count of 13 to 17, reflecting a tight but decisive home victory for the Red Devils.
Man Utd
Neville urges Premier League Hall of Fame recognition for Bryan Robson after induction
Gary Neville urged Premier League inclusion for Bryan Robson after receiving his Hall of Fame medal.
Gary Neville used the Hall of Fame ceremony at Old Trafford to press a case for Bryan Robson’s inclusion in the Premier League Hall of Fame. Neville received his medallion from Robson, who came out at Old Trafford for a photo op, and described the moment as a full circle from idol to presenter.
“How can I be in the Hall of Fame and he’s not in the Hall of Fame? That is a travesty, that. Can I give you my medal?” Neville said as Robson came out at Old Trafford for a photo op.
Robson’s playing record was highlighted during the exchange. He was the longest-serving captain in Man Utd history, a two-time league winner who made 461 appearances for the Red Devils and scored 99 goals. Robson is a member of the English Football Hall of Fame and was an inaugural inductee there, a status Neville referenced as he urged his Premier League peers to recognise Robson in that competition’s own Hall of Fame.
Sir Alex Ferguson, himself a Premier League Hall of Fame member, offered a statement on Neville’s achievement and career: “His dedication to improving himself and to being the best player he could led him to playing more than 600 times for his club, collecting eight Premier League titles, and playing 85 times for England. I am delighted for Gary; it’s a well-earned recognition of a fine career at the highest level,” Ferguson said.
Neville spent 19 years at Man Utd and retired as a one club man. He wore the captain’s armband after Roy Keane left the club and was included five times in the PFA Premier League Team of the Year. Neville also won two Champions League trophies and is widely credited as one of the greatest fullbacks in league history, forming a notable partnership with David Beckham at the Theatre of Dreams.
A Premier League Hall of Fame event on November 4 will further celebrate the defender. Neville was among a 15-man shortlist before his induction and one more player will be inducted this year. Multiple former Man Utd players could join Neville this year, including former teammates Michael Carrick, Patrice Evra, Teddy Sheringham, Michael Owen and Edwin Van der Sar.
Brighton & Hove Albion
Man Utd v Brighton: Tactical Test as United Seek Third Straight Win
United seek third straight win at Old Trafford as Brighton arrive unbeaten and dangerous. Fresh tests
Manchester United head into Saturday’s meeting with Brighton & Hove Albion aiming for a third consecutive win under Amorim after back-to-back Premier League victories for the first time in his tenure. Brighton arrive unbeaten in five matches in all competitions and have already beaten Manchester City and Chelsea this season.
Recent form (selected results)
Liverpool 1–2 Man Utd – 19/10/25
Man Utd 2–0 Sunderland – 04/10/25
Brentford 3–1 Man Utd – 27/09/25
Man Utd 2–1 Chelsea – 20/09/25
Man City 3–0 Man Utd – 14/09/25
Brighton 2–1 Newcastle – 18/10/25
Wolves 1–1 Brighton – 05/10/25
Chelsea 1–3 Brighton – 27/09/25
Barnsley 0–6 Brighton – 23/09/25
Brighton 2–2 Tottenham – 20/09/25
Injury and selection update
United are relatively healthy with Lisandro Martínez the only confirmed absentee. Harry Maguire and Mason Mount are listed as minor doubts, though Amorim did not seem particularly concerned. United used a striker-less system to good effect on Merseyside, but Amorim could opt for a focal forward here. Benjamin Šeško has shown signs of growing more comfortable and could return to the starting XI, potentially in place of Mount. Leny Yoro may also be recalled, but substantial changes from what the coach called the most impressive victory of his reign seem unlikely.
Predicted Man Utd lineup (3-4-2-1): Lammens; De Ligt, Maguire, Shaw; Amad, Casemiro, Fernandes, Dorgu; Mbeumo, Cunha; Šeško.
Brighton arrive with more selection uncertainty. Hürzeler is not yet sure whether he’ll have Kaoru Mitoma because of an ankle problem, while Brajan Gruda and Joel Veltman are doubts. Diego Gómez is in contention. Jack Hinshelwood, Adam Webster and Solly March remain out long term. Danny Welbeck, fresh from a brace in the win over Newcastle United, will lead the line. Carlos Baleba, linked with a summer move to Old Trafford, is a player to watch.
Predicted Brighton lineup (4-2-3-1): Verbruggen; Wieffer, Van Hecke, Dunk, De Cuyper; Baleba, Ayari; Minteh, Rutter, Gómez; Welbeck.
Tactical note
Brighton’s attacking fluidity and movement have unsettled United in this fixture previously, while goalkeeping errors have also been costly. United’s expected goals tally ranks second in the Premier League, and a direct approach with Šeško as a focal point would be a sensible way to press their advantage.
